Bottoms Up: My Anal Cancer Journey
Cheryl A. Yeager Jr.
In the Summer of 2009 I was 38 years old, happily married, enjoying life, and at the height of my Corporate career. Work had me traveling all over the US and as I was getting ready to fly home, I had a feeling something was just not right. I had experienced (yet again) unusual discomfort and bleeding after using the bathroom. Initially, I brushed it off as a hemorrhoid but this situation had happened a few times on this trip and to be honest, a few other times as well.
A few weeks later I came out of the bathroom and had an overwhelming feeling that something was definitely wrong. I shared with my husband Danny what had been happening and that we needed to go to the ER to get this checked out. The doctor on staff that evening was amazing and after a few quick tests, shared his initial findings and was going to admit me so I could have an emergency colonoscopy first thing in the morning….
HOLD ON! WHAT IS HAPPENING?
I remember waking up after the colonoscopy with my husband, father and friend by my side as the doctor shared his thoughts and concerns. “removed a few polyps, biopsy of a large mass, results in a few days”…
HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE!!!
On June 26TH 2009 I received a phone call that would change my life forever…”Anal Cancer, Stage IIIA, Squamous Cell, Apr. 5cm”…
WTF! Didn’t Farrah Fawcett just die of this cancer? YESTERDAY!
I am not sure what was more difficult: hearing those words, telling family and friends, or the harsh reality that my Type A personality and fabulous life, as I knew it, was about to take a backseat as I embarked on an unknown adventure I certainly hadn’t sign up for.
To be completely honest, I was never so scared in my entire life. No one in my family had a history of cancer, ever.
I was treated at Smilow Cancer Center in New Haven CT where my team consisted of Dr. Lacey (Oncologist) Dr. Roberts (Radiologist) and the most amazing of all, Chris D. (Oncology Nurse). I still consider myself so fortunate to have had access to some of the best Cancer Care available and so close to home.
My schedule was quickly consumed with testing, doctors, chemo, radiation, a three-day hospital stay, blood transfusions, menopause and all the other fun things that came along with being treated for this type of cancer. In retrospect, treatment was swift, quick and effective while kicking my A$$ literally.
It was at this point in time that I was introduced to Oncology Massage, Reiki, Essential Oils and Mediation…
LIFE CHANGING!
Right there, I made a promise to myself. I knew I would return to school and gain the skills I needed to serve those in the Cancer Center and community but this time as an Oncology Massage Therapist. I’m honored to work alongside a compassionate care team (the same hospital at which I was treated), offering support to patients and their caregivers. I can say that without this life detour, I would not be where I am today. It took a long time to be able to say that but 15 years later, I can.
I was deemed NED in April 2010 and am grateful to have remained so ever since.
I dedicate this story of strength, perseverance and great love to my late husband Danny Yeager Jr., who chose to step into the arena with me on that fateful day and held the door for me on the way out.
Cheers and Love,
Cheryl A. Yeager Jr.
Oncology Massage & Craniosacral Therapist
Living my best life in my hometown, Walnut Beach Milford CT
